Ecological speciation and host adaptation in a parasitic plant

A major aim of biological research is to understand how new species evolve. Recent research suggests that adaptation to local environmental differences could be the initial stage in the origin of species in diverse groups such as Heliconius butterflies, radiations of island finches, and Lake Victoria cichlid fish. In this model of ecological speciation, natural selection acts on genetic differences that confer improved fitness for a given climate, soil type, local competitor, herbivore or pathogen, and subsequently these locally adapted populations diverge on a trajectory towards being reproductively isolated species. This model could be important in explaining the origin of new parasite species, as parasites will not only have to adapt to the specific habitat, but the range of hosts within a habitat. However the role of ecological speciation in parasites remains largely untested.

The objective of this research is to test whether ecological speciation underlies the origin of species in a closely related group of generalist parasitic plants. These species can attach to a range of different host plants with a specialised feeding organ and subsequently extract nutrients and water. We will perform experimental and genetic studies on British native eyebrights (Euphrasia), a groups of 21 parasitic species including taxa of high conservation priority. Our previous research has shown species on isolated islands show extensive hybridisation. This research follows on from this finding, by studying Euphrasia on the isolated island of Fair Isle. This island is a mosaic of different habitats, and as such can be used to test the importance of adaptation to contrasting environments, and whether these parasitic species show preferences for different host plants.

We will first test the performance of three ecologically specialised species when grown in different habitats on Fair Isle. To test whether differences in survival reflect adaptation to different hosts, rather than adaptation to other components of the environment, we will grow Euphrasia in an experimental garden site with specific hosts. Finally, we will investigate the genetics of adaptation and speciation by performing genome sequencing of natural populations. This will use high-throughput genomics in conjunction with newer single-molecule sequencing technologies to investigate the genetic changes associated with parasite adaptation.

Overall, our results will give important new insights into the origins of parasitic plant species. Our research tackles this issue from multiple angles, revealing the type of natural selection pressure (such as switching host preferences), as well as the genes underlying this variation. More generally, parasitic plants are keystone species of natural systems, as their parasitic nature reduces the vigour of competitively dominant grasses, and thus maintains grassland species diversity. Our work will show whether ecologically specialised Euphrasia are adapted to different hosts, which may in turn affect their use in grassland management.

Who will benefit from this research?

Agencies involved in setting priorities for habitat conservation in areas that include taxonomically complex plant groups, such as Euphrasia.

Members of the general public will benefit from a better understanding of native species diversity, how this has evolved, and how this can be conserved.

Horticulturalists and plant growers may benefit from new knowledge on host specificity in hemiparasites.

The residents of Fair Isle will benefit from improved monitoring of their plant diversity.

Early career scientists will benefit from training in new genomic techniques and more generally in biodiversity science.

How will they benefit from this research?

Our research will provide unprecedented insights into the evolution of British native parasitic plants. This in turn will enable us to make clear guidelines for how to conserve this important but often overlooked component of natural ecosystems. We envisage this leading to better informed conservation of rare Euphrasia species, and the preservation of important natural places where these species grow. This may also lead to revised guidelines for ex situ cultivation and reintroductions of hemiparasitic plants.

Our public outreach activities will highlight the importance of parasitic plants in natural ecosystems, and introduce the public to these exciting plants. This will encourage a wider interest in native plant diversity.

Improved knowledge of the importance of environmental preferences, and host ranges, will affect how we cultivate these taxa. In the future, this research could be used to inform best-practice cultivation in natural settings. For example, a Euphrasia species shown to be successful in a particular habitat, or with particular hosts, could be introduced in such an area to reduce the vigour of surrounding plants and maintain ecosystem stability. We have already been approached by seed companies interested in pursuing this route.

Residents of Fair Isle will benefit from continued external investment, making the island a focus for biodiversity monitoring and field studies. This work complements ongoing conservation of birds and marine systems, and may help attract future funding for other conservation actions.

This project will directly support two early career scientists and train them in new and emerging research topics. We also endeavour to supervise project students and pass on this knowledge.